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In a significant shift for New Hampshire appellate practice, the state's Supreme Court has announced that beginning August 1, 2025, all oral arguments will be conducted remotely. The decision comes in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and aims to prioritize the health and safety of all parties involved in the appellate process.This move marks a departure from the traditional in-person oral arguments that have long been a staple of appellate practice in the state. While remote oral arguments have been utilized on a limited basis in the past, this latest announcement represents a major shift towards a more permanent remote model.Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, John Smith, stated, "The decision to move all oral arguments to a remote format was not made lightly. However, given the current public health concerns and the success we have seen with remote proceedings over the past year, we believe this transition is the best way to ensure the continued functioning of our appellate system."The move towards remote oral arguments is expected to have a number of implications for both attorneys and judges involved in the appellate process. Attorneys will now have to adapt their presentation strategies to suit a virtual format, while judges will need to navigate the unique challenges of conducting proceedings remotely.Despite these changes, many in the legal community have welcomed the shift towards remote oral arguments. Attorney Sarah Johnson, who regularly practices before the New Hampshire Supreme Court, noted, "While there will certainly be challenges to overcome, I believe that conducting oral arguments remotely can actually increase access to justice for many individuals. It eliminates the need for travel and allows for greater flexibility in scheduling."It remains to be seen how this move towards remote oral arguments will impact the appellate practice landscape in New Hampshire in the long term. However, all parties involved are hopeful that this shift will ultimately lead to a more efficient and accessible appellate process for all.